❓ A parliamentary question regarding the terms of reference and participant qualifications of a mining approvals process review working group. The Minister's response includes criticism of the previous government's handling of the mining and petroleum industry.
AnsweredQoN 79Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
MINING APPROVALS PROCESSES — INDUSTRY WORKING GROUP 79. Hon JON FORD to the Minister for Mines and Petroleum: I refer to the minister’s recent announcement of an industry working group to examine the state’s mining approval processes. (1) Will the minister please outline the terms of reference for this working group? (2) For each of the announced participants listed, what qualifications and experience do they bring to the review? The names on the list are Peter Jones; John Bowler, MLA; Derek Carew-Hopkins; Mark Gregory; David Parker; Richard Ellis; Ian Wight-Pickin; Ian Fletcher; Tim Shanahan; Chris Clegg; Doug Koontz; and Noel Ashcroft. Hon NORMAN MOORE
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for some notice of this question. As a preamble to my answer I must say what a terrible shame it is that I have to go through this process to fix the mess that the previous government left. The greatest problem facing the mining and petroleum industry is the previous government’s inattention to detail and inability to make a decision. It put in place processes that simply did not work. The hold-up in the system is appalling, so something had to be done about it. That is why I set up this particular inquiry. (1) The terms of reference of the working group are — (1) understanding existing approvals processes—environmental, tenure, planning, native title Aboriginal heritage—necessary for mining and petroleum activity to occur in Western Australia, including — (a) time lines associated with these processes; (b) impediments, overlap and duplication by state and commonwealth agencies; (c) mechanisms for review of decisions; and (d) benchmarks against selected jurisdictions in Australia and elsewhere. (2) identifying which impediments can be addressed through changes to government policies and administrative processes, and those which will require legislative change. (3) developing a framework to ensure better coordination across agencies to achieve quicker approvals, including provisions to ensure decision making within specified time frames. (4) providing a schedule for implementation of — (a) administrative changes—these should happen quickly; (b) legislative changes which could be contained in an omnibus bill and be given priority in the parliamentary legislative program; and (c) a mechanism for ongoing review of implementation based on milestones with input from industry. (5) identifying and analysing the key issues that stakeholders have with the approvals processes, and actions that can be taken to improve WA’s reputation as a place to do business in the mineral and petroleum industries. (2) The working group members bring a wide range of experience and knowledge to the review, as evidenced by the following: Peter Jones, chairman, former Minister for Mines, Fuel and Energy for Western Australia; John Bowler, MLA, deputy chairman, member for Kalgoorlie; Derek Carew-Hopkins, adviser, Office of the Minister for Regional Development; Mark Gregory; a partner in Minter Ellison Lawyers; David Parker, government and public affairs manager, Apache Energy; Richard Ellis, Western Australian director of the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association; Ian Wight-Pickin, chief of staff, office of the Deputy Premier and Minister for Indigenous Affairs; Ian Fletcher, BHP Billiton’s vice-president of government affairs; Tim Shanahan, director, Energy and Minerals Initiative, University of Western Australia; Chris Clegg, principal consultant, Statewide Tenement and Advisory Services; Doug Koontz, principal environmental consultant, Aquaterra; Noel Ashcroft, chief executive of government relations and market development for the Griffin Group; and, Tony van Merwyk, partner in Freehills.
MINING APPROVALS PROCESSES — INDUSTRY WORKING GROUP
I refer to the minister’s recent announcement of an industry working group to examine the state’s mining approval processes. (1) Will the minister please outline the terms of reference for this working group? (2) For each of the announced participants listed, what qualifications and experience do they bring to the review? The names on the list are Peter Jones; John Bowler, MLA; Derek Carew-Hopkins; Mark Gregory; David Parker; Richard Ellis; Ian Wight-Pickin; Ian Fletcher; Tim Shanahan; Chris Clegg; Doug Koontz; and Noel Ashcroft. Hon NORMAN MOORE replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. As a preamble to my answer I must say what a terrible shame it is that I have to go through this process to fix the mess that the previous government left. The greatest problem facing the mining and petroleum industry is the previous government’s inattention to detail and inability to make a decision. It put in place processes that simply did not work. The hold-up in the system is appalling, so something had to be done about it. That is why I set up this particular inquiry. (1) The terms of reference of the working group are — (1) understanding existing approvals processes—environmental, tenure, planning, native title Aboriginal heritage—necessary for mining and petroleum activity to occur in Western Australia, including — (a) time lines associated with these processes; (b) impediments, overlap and duplication by state and commonwealth agencies; (c) mechanisms for review of decisions; and (d) benchmarks against selected jurisdictions in Australia and elsewhere. (2) identifying which impediments can be addressed through changes to government policies and administrative processes, and those which will require legislative change. (3) developing a framework to ensure better coordination across agencies to achieve quicker approvals, including provisions to ensure decision making within specified time frames. (4) providing a schedule for implementation of — (a) administrative changes—these should happen quickly; (b) legislative changes which could be contained in an omnibus bill and be given priority in the parliamentary legislative program; and (c) a mechanism for ongoing review of implementation based on milestones with input from industry. (5) identifying and analysing the key issues that stakeholders have with the approvals processes, and actions that can be taken to improve WA’s reputation as a place to do business in the mineral and petroleum industries. (2) The working group members bring a wide range of experience and knowledge to the review, as evidenced by the following: Peter Jones, chairman, former Minister for Mines, Fuel and Energy for Western Australia; John Bowler, MLA, deputy chairman, member for Kalgoorlie; Derek Carew-Hopkins, adviser, Office of the Minister for Regional Development; Mark Gregory; a partner in Minter Ellison Lawyers; David Parker, government and public affairs manager, Apache Energy; Richard Ellis, Western Australian director of the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association; Ian Wight-Pickin, chief of staff, office of the Deputy Premier and Minister for Indigenous Affairs; Ian Fletcher, BHP Billiton’s vice-president of government affairs; Tim Shanahan, director, Energy and Minerals Initiative, University of Western Australia; Chris Clegg, principal consultant, Statewide Tenement and Advisory Services; Doug Koontz, principal environmental consultant, Aquaterra; Noel Ashcroft, chief executive of government relations and market development for the Griffin Group; and, Tony van Merwyk, partner in Freehills.
(1) Will the minister please outline the terms of reference for this working group? (2) For each of the announced participants listed, what qualifications and experience do they bring to the review? The names on the list are Peter Jones; John Bowler, MLA; Derek Carew-Hopkins; Mark Gregory; David Parker; Richard Ellis; Ian Wight-Pickin; Ian Fletcher; Tim Shanahan; Chris Clegg; Doug Koontz; and Noel Ashcroft. Hon NORMAN MOORE replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. As a preamble to my answer I must say what a terrible shame it is that I have to go through this process to fix the mess that the previous government left. The greatest problem facing the mining and petroleum industry is the previous government’s inattention to detail and inability to make a decision. It put in place processes that simply did not work. The hold-up in the system is appalling, so something had to be done about it. That is why I set up this particular inquiry. (1) The terms of reference of the working group are — (1) understanding existing approvals processes—environmental, tenure, planning, native title Aboriginal heritage—necessary for mining and petroleum activity to occur in Western Australia, including — (a) time lines associated with these processes; (b) impediments, overlap and duplication by state and commonwealth agencies; (c) mechanisms for review of decisions; and (d) benchmarks against selected jurisdictions in Australia and elsewhere. (2) identifying which impediments can be addressed through changes to government policies and administrative processes, and those which will require legislative change. (3) developing a framework to ensure better coordination across agencies to achieve quicker approvals, including provisions to ensure decision making within specified time frames. (4) providing a schedule for implementation of — (a) administrative changes—these should happen quickly; (b) legislative changes which could be contained in an omnibus bill and be given priority in the parliamentary legislative program; and (c) a mechanism for ongoing review of implementation based on milestones with input from industry. (5) identifying and analysing the key issues that stakeholders have with the approvals processes, and actions that can be taken to improve WA’s reputation as a place to do business in the mineral and petroleum industries. (2) The working group members bring a wide range of experience and knowledge to the review, as evidenced by the following: Peter Jones, chairman, former Minister for Mines, Fuel and Energy for Western Australia; John Bowler, MLA, deputy chairman, member for Kalgoorlie; Derek Carew-Hopkins, adviser, Office of the Minister for Regional Development; Mark Gregory; a partner in Minter Ellison Lawyers; David Parker, government and public affairs manager, Apache Energy; Richard Ellis, Western Australian director of the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association; Ian Wight-Pickin, chief of staff, office of the Deputy Premier and Minister for Indigenous Affairs; Ian Fletcher, BHP Billiton’s vice-president of government affairs; Tim Shanahan, director, Energy and Minerals Initiative, University of Western Australia; Chris Clegg, principal consultant, Statewide Tenement and Advisory Services; Doug Koontz, principal environmental consultant, Aquaterra; Noel Ashcroft, chief executive of government relations and market development for the Griffin Group; and, Tony van Merwyk, partner in Freehills.
(2) For each of the announced participants listed, what qualifications and experience do they bring to the review? The names on the list are Peter Jones; John Bowler, MLA; Derek Carew-Hopkins; Mark Gregory; David Parker; Richard Ellis; Ian Wight-Pickin; Ian Fletcher; Tim Shanahan; Chris Clegg; Doug Koontz; and Noel Ashcroft. Hon NORMAN MOORE replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. As a preamble to my answer I must say what a terrible shame it is that I have to go through this process to fix the mess that the previous government left. The greatest problem facing the mining and petroleum industry is the previous government’s inattention to detail and inability to make a decision. It put in place processes that simply did not work. The hold-up in the system is appalling, so something had to be done about it. That is why I set up this particular inquiry. (1) The terms of reference of the working group are — (1) understanding existing approvals processes—environmental, tenure, planning, native title Aboriginal heritage—necessary for mining and petroleum activity to occur in Western Australia, including — (a) time lines associated with these processes; (b) impediments, overlap and duplication by state and commonwealth agencies; (c) mechanisms for review of decisions; and (d) benchmarks against selected jurisdictions in Australia and elsewhere. (2) identifying which impediments can be addressed through changes to government policies and administrative processes, and those which will require legislative change. (3) developing a framework to ensure better coordination across agencies to achieve quicker approvals, including provisions to ensure decision making within specified time frames. (4) providing a schedule for implementation of — (a) administrative changes—these should happen quickly; (b) legislative changes which could be contained in an omnibus bill and be given priority in the parliamentary legislative program; and (c) a mechanism for ongoing review of implementation based on milestones with input from industry. (5) identifying and analysing the key issues that stakeholders have with the approvals processes, and actions that can be taken to improve WA’s reputation as a place to do business in the mineral and petroleum industries. (2) The working group members bring a wide range of experience and knowledge to the review, as evidenced by the following: Peter Jones, chairman, former Minister for Mines, Fuel and Energy for Western Australia; John Bowler, MLA, deputy chairman, member for Kalgoorlie; Derek Carew-Hopkins, adviser, Office of the Minister for Regional Development; Mark Gregory; a partner in Minter Ellison Lawyers; David Parker, government and public affairs manager, Apache Energy; Richard Ellis, Western Australian director of the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association; Ian Wight-Pickin, chief of staff, office of the Deputy Premier and Minister for Indigenous Affairs; Ian Fletcher, BHP Billiton’s vice-president of government affairs; Tim Shanahan, director, Energy and Minerals Initiative, University of Western Australia; Chris Clegg, principal consultant, Statewide Tenement and Advisory Services; Doug Koontz, principal environmental consultant, Aquaterra; Noel Ashcroft, chief executive of government relations and market development for the Griffin Group; and, Tony van Merwyk, partner in Freehills.
Hon NORMAN MOORE replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. As a preamble to my answer I must say what a terrible shame it is that I have to go through this process to fix the mess that the previous government left. The greatest problem facing the mining and petroleum industry is the previous government’s inattention to detail and inability to make a decision. It put in place processes that simply did not work. The hold-up in the system is appalling, so something had to be done about it. That is why I set up this particular inquiry. (1) The terms of reference of the working group are — (1) understanding existing approvals processes—environmental, tenure, planning, native title Aboriginal heritage—necessary for mining and petroleum activity to occur in Western Australia, including — (a) time lines associated with these processes; (b) impediments, overlap and duplication by state and commonwealth agencies; (c) mechanisms for review of decisions; and (d) benchmarks against selected jurisdictions in Australia and elsewhere. (2) identifying which impediments can be addressed through changes to government policies and administrative processes, and those which will require legislative change. (3) developing a framework to ensure better coordination across agencies to achieve quicker approvals, including provisions to ensure decision making within specified time frames. (4) providing a schedule for implementation of — (a) administrative changes—these should happen quickly; (b) legislative changes which could be contained in an omnibus bill and be given priority in the parliamentary legislative program; and (c) a mechanism for ongoing review of implementation based on milestones with input from industry. (5) identifying and analysing the key issues that stakeholders have with the approvals processes, and actions that can be taken to improve WA’s reputation as a place to do business in the mineral and petroleum industries. (2) The working group members bring a wide range of experience and knowledge to the review, as evidenced by the following: Peter Jones, chairman, former Minister for Mines, Fuel and Energy for Western Australia; John Bowler, MLA, deputy chairman, member for Kalgoorlie; Derek Carew-Hopkins, adviser, Office of the Minister for Regional Development; Mark Gregory; a partner in Minter Ellison Lawyers; David Parker, government and public affairs manager, Apache Energy; Richard Ellis, Western Australian director of the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association; Ian Wight-Pickin, chief of staff, office of the Deputy Premier and Minister for Indigenous Affairs; Ian Fletcher, BHP Billiton’s vice-president of government affairs; Tim Shanahan, director, Energy and Minerals Initiative, University of Western Australia; Chris Clegg, principal consultant, Statewide Tenement and Advisory Services; Doug Koontz, principal environmental consultant, Aquaterra; Noel Ashcroft, chief executive of government relations and market development for the Griffin Group; and, Tony van Merwyk, partner in Freehills.
I thank the member for some notice of this question. As a preamble to my answer I must say what a terrible shame it is that I have to go through this process to fix the mess that the previous government left. The greatest problem facing the mining and petroleum industry is the previous government’s inattention to detail and inability to make a decision. It put in place processes that simply did not work. The hold-up in the system is appalling, so something had to be done about it. That is why I set up this particular inquiry. (1) The terms of reference of the working group are — (1) understanding existing approvals processes—environmental, tenure, planning, native title Aboriginal heritage—necessary for mining and petroleum activity to occur in Western Australia, including — (a) time lines associated with these processes; (b) impediments, overlap and duplication by state and commonwealth agencies; (c) mechanisms for review of decisions; and (d) benchmarks against selected jurisdictions in Australia and elsewhere. (2) identifying which impediments can be addressed through changes to government policies and administrative processes, and those which will require legislative change. (3) developing a framework to ensure better coordination across agencies to achieve quicker approvals, including provisions to ensure decision making within specified time frames. (4) providing a schedule for implementation of — (a) administrative changes—these should happen quickly; (b) legislative changes which could be contained in an omnibus bill and be given priority in the parliamentary legislative program; and (c) a mechanism for ongoing review of implementation based on milestones with input from industry. (5) identifying and analysing the key issues that stakeholders have with the approvals processes, and actions that can be taken to improve WA’s reputation as a place to do business in the mineral and petroleum industries. (2) The working group members bring a wide range of experience and knowledge to the review, as evidenced by the following: Peter Jones, chairman, former Minister for Mines, Fuel and Energy for Western Australia; John Bowler, MLA, deputy chairman, member for Kalgoorlie; Derek Carew-Hopkins, adviser, Office of the Minister for Regional Development; Mark Gregory; a partner in Minter Ellison Lawyers; David Parker, government and public affairs manager, Apache Energy; Richard Ellis, Western Australian director of the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association; Ian Wight-Pickin, chief of staff, office of the Deputy Premier and Minister for Indigenous Affairs; Ian Fletcher, BHP Billiton’s vice-president of government affairs; Tim Shanahan, director, Energy and Minerals Initiative, University of Western Australia; Chris Clegg, principal consultant, Statewide Tenement and Advisory Services; Doug Koontz, principal environmental consultant, Aquaterra; Noel Ashcroft, chief executive of government relations and market development for the Griffin Group; and, Tony van Merwyk, partner in Freehills.
As a preamble to my answer I must say what a terrible shame it is that I have to go through this process to fix the mess that the previous government left. The greatest problem facing the mining and petroleum industry is the previous government’s inattention to detail and inability to make a decision. It put in place processes that simply did not work. The hold-up in the system is appalling, so something had to be done about it. That is why I set up this particular inquiry. (1) The terms of reference of the working group are — (1) understanding existing approvals processes—environmental, tenure, planning, native title Aboriginal heritage—necessary for mining and petroleum activity to occur in Western Australia, including — (a) time lines associated with these processes; (b) impediments, overlap and duplication by state and commonwealth agencies; (c) mechanisms for review of decisions; and (d) benchmarks against selected jurisdictions in Australia and elsewhere. (2) identifying which impediments can be addressed through changes to government policies and administrative processes, and those which will require legislative change. (3) developing a framework to ensure better coordination across agencies to achieve quicker approvals, including provisions to ensure decision making within specified time frames. (4) providing a schedule for implementation of — (a) administrative changes—these should happen quickly; (b) legislative changes which could be contained in an omnibus bill and be given priority in the parliamentary legislative program; and (c) a mechanism for ongoing review of implementation based on milestones with input from industry. (5) identifying and analysing the key issues that stakeholders have with the approvals processes, and actions that can be taken to improve WA’s reputation as a place to do business in the mineral and petroleum industries. (2) The working group members bring a wide range of experience and knowledge to the review, as evidenced by the following: Peter Jones, chairman, former Minister for Mines, Fuel and Energy for Western Australia; John Bowler, MLA, deputy chairman, member for Kalgoorlie; Derek Carew-Hopkins, adviser, Office of the Minister for Regional Development; Mark Gregory; a partner in Minter Ellison Lawyers; David Parker, government and public affairs manager, Apache Energy; Richard Ellis, Western Australian director of the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association; Ian Wight-Pickin, chief of staff, office of the Deputy Premier and Minister for Indigenous Affairs; Ian Fletcher, BHP Billiton’s vice-president of government affairs; Tim Shanahan, director, Energy and Minerals Initiative, University of Western Australia; Chris Clegg, principal consultant, Statewide Tenement and Advisory Services; Doug Koontz, principal environmental consultant, Aquaterra; Noel Ashcroft, chief executive of government relations and market development for the Griffin Group; and, Tony van Merwyk, partner in Freehills.
(1) The terms of reference of the working group are — (1) understanding existing approvals processes—environmental, tenure, planning, native title Aboriginal heritage—necessary for mining and petroleum activity to occur in Western Australia, including — (a) time lines associated with these processes; (b) impediments, overlap and duplication by state and commonwealth agencies; (c) mechanisms for review of decisions; and (d) benchmarks against selected jurisdictions in Australia and elsewhere. (2) identifying which impediments can be addressed through changes to government policies and administrative processes, and those which will require legislative change. (3) developing a framework to ensure better coordination across agencies to achieve quicker approvals, including provisions to ensure decision making within specified time frames. (4) providing a schedule for implementation of — (a) administrative changes—these should happen quickly; (b) legislative changes which could be contained in an omnibus bill and be given priority in the parliamentary legislative program; and (c) a mechanism for ongoing review of implementation based on milestones with input from industry. (5) identifying and analysing the key issues that stakeholders have with the approvals processes, and actions that can be taken to improve WA’s reputation as a place to do business in the mineral and petroleum industries. (2) The working group members bring a wide range of experience and knowledge to the review, as evidenced by the following: Peter Jones, chairman, former Minister for Mines, Fuel and Energy for Western Australia; John Bowler, MLA, deputy chairman, member for Kalgoorlie; Derek Carew-Hopkins, adviser, Office of the Minister for Regional Development; Mark Gregory; a partner in Minter Ellison Lawyers; David Parker, government and public affairs manager, Apache Energy; Richard Ellis, Western Australian director of the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association; Ian Wight-Pickin, chief of staff, office of the Deputy Premier and Minister for Indigenous Affairs; Ian Fletcher, BHP Billiton’s vice-president of government affairs; Tim Shanahan, director, Energy and Minerals Initiative, University of Western Australia; Chris Clegg, principal consultant, Statewide Tenement and Advisory Services; Doug Koontz, principal environmental consultant, Aquaterra; Noel Ashcroft, chief executive of government relations and market development for the Griffin Group; and, Tony van Merwyk, partner in Freehills.
(b) impediments, overlap and duplication by state and commonwealth agencies; (c) mechanisms for review of decisions; and (d) benchmarks against selected jurisdictions in Australia and elsewhere.
(c) mechanisms for review of decisions; and (d) benchmarks against selected jurisdictions in Australia and elsewhere.
(d) benchmarks against selected jurisdictions in Australia and elsewhere.
(3) developing a framework to ensure better coordination across agencies to achieve quicker approvals, including provisions to ensure decision making within specified time frames. (4) providing a schedule for implementation of — (a) administrative changes—these should happen quickly; (b) legislative changes which could be contained in an omnibus bill and be given priority in the parliamentary legislative program; and (c) a mechanism for ongoing review of implementation based on milestones with input from industry. (5) identifying and analysing the key issues that stakeholders have with the approvals processes, and actions that can be taken to improve WA’s reputation as a place to do business in the mineral and petroleum industries.
(4) providing a schedule for implementation of — (a) administrative changes—these should happen quickly; (b) legislative changes which could be contained in an omnibus bill and be given priority in the parliamentary legislative program; and (c) a mechanism for ongoing review of implementation based on milestones with input from industry. (5) identifying and analysing the key issues that stakeholders have with the approvals processes, and actions that can be taken to improve WA’s reputation as a place to do business in the mineral and petroleum industries.
(b) legislative changes which could be contained in an omnibus bill and be given priority in the parliamentary legislative program; and (c) a mechanism for ongoing review of implementation based on milestones with input from industry.
(c) a mechanism for ongoing review of implementation based on milestones with input from industry.
MINING APPROVALS PROCESSES — INDUSTRY WORKING GROUP
I refer to the minister’s recent announcement of an industry working group to examine the state’s mining approval processes. (1) Will the minister please outline the terms of reference for this working group? (2) For each of the announced participants listed, what qualifications and experience do they bring to the review? The names on the list are Peter Jones; John Bowler, MLA; Derek Carew-Hopkins; Mark Gregory; David Parker; Richard Ellis; Ian Wight-Pickin; Ian Fletcher; Tim Shanahan; Chris Clegg; Doug Koontz; and Noel Ashcroft. Hon NORMAN MOORE replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. As a preamble to my answer I must say what a terrible shame it is that I have to go through this process to fix the mess that the previous government left. The greatest problem facing the mining and petroleum industry is the previous government’s inattention to detail and inability to make a decision. It put in place processes that simply did not work. The hold-up in the system is appalling, so something had to be done about it. That is why I set up this particular inquiry. (1) The terms of reference of the working group are — (1) understanding existing approvals processes—environmental, tenure, planning, native title Aboriginal heritage—necessary for mining and petroleum activity to occur in Western Australia, including — (a) time lines associated with these processes; (b) impediments, overlap and duplication by state and commonwealth agencies; (c) mechanisms for review of decisions; and (d) benchmarks against selected jurisdictions in Australia and elsewhere. (2) identifying which impediments can be addressed through changes to government policies and administrative processes, and those which will require legislative change. (3) developing a framework to ensure better coordination across agencies to achieve quicker approvals, including provisions to ensure decision making within specified time frames. (4) providing a schedule for implementation of — (a) administrative changes—these should happen quickly; (b) legislative changes which could be contained in an omnibus bill and be given priority in the parliamentary legislative program; and (c) a mechanism for ongoing review of implementation based on milestones with input from industry. (5) identifying and analysing the key issues that stakeholders have with the approvals processes, and actions that can be taken to improve WA’s reputation as a place to do business in the mineral and petroleum industries. (2) The working group members bring a wide range of experience and knowledge to the review, as evidenced by the following: Peter Jones, chairman, former Minister for Mines, Fuel and Energy for Western Australia; John Bowler, MLA, deputy chairman, member for Kalgoorlie; Derek Carew-Hopkins, adviser, Office of the Minister for Regional Development; Mark Gregory; a partner in Minter Ellison Lawyers; David Parker, government and public affairs manager, Apache Energy; Richard Ellis, Western Australian director of the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association; Ian Wight-Pickin, chief of staff, office of the Deputy Premier and Minister for Indigenous Affairs; Ian Fletcher, BHP Billiton’s vice-president of government affairs; Tim Shanahan, director, Energy and Minerals Initiative, University of Western Australia; Chris Clegg, principal consultant, Statewide Tenement and Advisory Services; Doug Koontz, principal environmental consultant, Aquaterra; Noel Ashcroft, chief executive of government relations and market development for the Griffin Group; and, Tony van Merwyk, partner in Freehills.
(1) Will the minister please outline the terms of reference for this working group? (2) For each of the announced participants listed, what qualifications and experience do they bring to the review? The names on the list are Peter Jones; John Bowler, MLA; Derek Carew-Hopkins; Mark Gregory; David Parker; Richard Ellis; Ian Wight-Pickin; Ian Fletcher; Tim Shanahan; Chris Clegg; Doug Koontz; and Noel Ashcroft. Hon NORMAN MOORE replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. As a preamble to my answer I must say what a terrible shame it is that I have to go through this process to fix the mess that the previous government left. The greatest problem facing the mining and petroleum industry is the previous government’s inattention to detail and inability to make a decision. It put in place processes that simply did not work. The hold-up in the system is appalling, so something had to be done about it. That is why I set up this particular inquiry. (1) The terms of reference of the working group are — (1) understanding existing approvals processes—environmental, tenure, planning, native title Aboriginal heritage—necessary for mining and petroleum activity to occur in Western Australia, including — (a) time lines associated with these processes; (b) impediments, overlap and duplication by state and commonwealth agencies; (c) mechanisms for review of decisions; and (d) benchmarks against selected jurisdictions in Australia and elsewhere. (2) identifying which impediments can be addressed through changes to government policies and administrative processes, and those which will require legislative change. (3) developing a framework to ensure better coordination across agencies to achieve quicker approvals, including provisions to ensure decision making within specified time frames. (4) providing a schedule for implementation of — (a) administrative changes—these should happen quickly; (b) legislative changes which could be contained in an omnibus bill and be given priority in the parliamentary legislative program; and (c) a mechanism for ongoing review of implementation based on milestones with input from industry. (5) identifying and analysing the key issues that stakeholders have with the approvals processes, and actions that can be taken to improve WA’s reputation as a place to do business in the mineral and petroleum industries. (2) The working group members bring a wide range of experience and knowledge to the review, as evidenced by the following: Peter Jones, chairman, former Minister for Mines, Fuel and Energy for Western Australia; John Bowler, MLA, deputy chairman, member for Kalgoorlie; Derek Carew-Hopkins, adviser, Office of the Minister for Regional Development; Mark Gregory; a partner in Minter Ellison Lawyers; David Parker, government and public affairs manager, Apache Energy; Richard Ellis, Western Australian director of the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association; Ian Wight-Pickin, chief of staff, office of the Deputy Premier and Minister for Indigenous Affairs; Ian Fletcher, BHP Billiton’s vice-president of government affairs; Tim Shanahan, director, Energy and Minerals Initiative, University of Western Australia; Chris Clegg, principal consultant, Statewide Tenement and Advisory Services; Doug Koontz, principal environmental consultant, Aquaterra; Noel Ashcroft, chief executive of government relations and market development for the Griffin Group; and, Tony van Merwyk, partner in Freehills.
(2) For each of the announced participants listed, what qualifications and experience do they bring to the review? The names on the list are Peter Jones; John Bowler, MLA; Derek Carew-Hopkins; Mark Gregory; David Parker; Richard Ellis; Ian Wight-Pickin; Ian Fletcher; Tim Shanahan; Chris Clegg; Doug Koontz; and Noel Ashcroft. Hon NORMAN MOORE replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. As a preamble to my answer I must say what a terrible shame it is that I have to go through this process to fix the mess that the previous government left. The greatest problem facing the mining and petroleum industry is the previous government’s inattention to detail and inability to make a decision. It put in place processes that simply did not work. The hold-up in the system is appalling, so something had to be done about it. That is why I set up this particular inquiry. (1) The terms of reference of the working group are — (1) understanding existing approvals processes—environmental, tenure, planning, native title Aboriginal heritage—necessary for mining and petroleum activity to occur in Western Australia, including — (a) time lines associated with these processes; (b) impediments, overlap and duplication by state and commonwealth agencies; (c) mechanisms for review of decisions; and (d) benchmarks against selected jurisdictions in Australia and elsewhere. (2) identifying which impediments can be addressed through changes to government policies and administrative processes, and those which will require legislative change. (3) developing a framework to ensure better coordination across agencies to achieve quicker approvals, including provisions to ensure decision making within specified time frames. (4) providing a schedule for implementation of — (a) administrative changes—these should happen quickly; (b) legislative changes which could be contained in an omnibus bill and be given priority in the parliamentary legislative program; and (c) a mechanism for ongoing review of implementation based on milestones with input from industry. (5) identifying and analysing the key issues that stakeholders have with the approvals processes, and actions that can be taken to improve WA’s reputation as a place to do business in the mineral and petroleum industries. (2) The working group members bring a wide range of experience and knowledge to the review, as evidenced by the following: Peter Jones, chairman, former Minister for Mines, Fuel and Energy for Western Australia; John Bowler, MLA, deputy chairman, member for Kalgoorlie; Derek Carew-Hopkins, adviser, Office of the Minister for Regional Development; Mark Gregory; a partner in Minter Ellison Lawyers; David Parker, government and public affairs manager, Apache Energy; Richard Ellis, Western Australian director of the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association; Ian Wight-Pickin, chief of staff, office of the Deputy Premier and Minister for Indigenous Affairs; Ian Fletcher, BHP Billiton’s vice-president of government affairs; Tim Shanahan, director, Energy and Minerals Initiative, University of Western Australia; Chris Clegg, principal consultant, Statewide Tenement and Advisory Services; Doug Koontz, principal environmental consultant, Aquaterra; Noel Ashcroft, chief executive of government relations and market development for the Griffin Group; and, Tony van Merwyk, partner in Freehills.
Hon NORMAN MOORE replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. As a preamble to my answer I must say what a terrible shame it is that I have to go through this process to fix the mess that the previous government left. The greatest problem facing the mining and petroleum industry is the previous government’s inattention to detail and inability to make a decision. It put in place processes that simply did not work. The hold-up in the system is appalling, so something had to be done about it. That is why I set up this particular inquiry. (1) The terms of reference of the working group are — (1) understanding existing approvals processes—environmental, tenure, planning, native title Aboriginal heritage—necessary for mining and petroleum activity to occur in Western Australia, including — (a) time lines associated with these processes; (b) impediments, overlap and duplication by state and commonwealth agencies; (c) mechanisms for review of decisions; and (d) benchmarks against selected jurisdictions in Australia and elsewhere. (2) identifying which impediments can be addressed through changes to government policies and administrative processes, and those which will require legislative change. (3) developing a framework to ensure better coordination across agencies to achieve quicker approvals, including provisions to ensure decision making within specified time frames. (4) providing a schedule for implementation of — (a) administrative changes—these should happen quickly; (b) legislative changes which could be contained in an omnibus bill and be given priority in the parliamentary legislative program; and (c) a mechanism for ongoing review of implementation based on milestones with input from industry. (5) identifying and analysing the key issues that stakeholders have with the approvals processes, and actions that can be taken to improve WA’s reputation as a place to do business in the mineral and petroleum industries. (2) The working group members bring a wide range of experience and knowledge to the review, as evidenced by the following: Peter Jones, chairman, former Minister for Mines, Fuel and Energy for Western Australia; John Bowler, MLA, deputy chairman, member for Kalgoorlie; Derek Carew-Hopkins, adviser, Office of the Minister for Regional Development; Mark Gregory; a partner in Minter Ellison Lawyers; David Parker, government and public affairs manager, Apache Energy; Richard Ellis, Western Australian director of the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association; Ian Wight-Pickin, chief of staff, office of the Deputy Premier and Minister for Indigenous Affairs; Ian Fletcher, BHP Billiton’s vice-president of government affairs; Tim Shanahan, director, Energy and Minerals Initiative, University of Western Australia; Chris Clegg, principal consultant, Statewide Tenement and Advisory Services; Doug Koontz, principal environmental consultant, Aquaterra; Noel Ashcroft, chief executive of government relations and market development for the Griffin Group; and, Tony van Merwyk, partner in Freehills.
I thank the member for some notice of this question. As a preamble to my answer I must say what a terrible shame it is that I have to go through this process to fix the mess that the previous government left. The greatest problem facing the mining and petroleum industry is the previous government’s inattention to detail and inability to make a decision. It put in place processes that simply did not work. The hold-up in the system is appalling, so something had to be done about it. That is why I set up this particular inquiry. (1) The terms of reference of the working group are — (1) understanding existing approvals processes—environmental, tenure, planning, native title Aboriginal heritage—necessary for mining and petroleum activity to occur in Western Australia, including — (a) time lines associated with these processes; (b) impediments, overlap and duplication by state and commonwealth agencies; (c) mechanisms for review of decisions; and (d) benchmarks against selected jurisdictions in Australia and elsewhere. (2) identifying which impediments can be addressed through changes to government policies and administrative processes, and those which will require legislative change. (3) developing a framework to ensure better coordination across agencies to achieve quicker approvals, including provisions to ensure decision making within specified time frames. (4) providing a schedule for implementation of — (a) administrative changes—these should happen quickly; (b) legislative changes which could be contained in an omnibus bill and be given priority in the parliamentary legislative program; and (c) a mechanism for ongoing review of implementation based on milestones with input from industry. (5) identifying and analysing the key issues that stakeholders have with the approvals processes, and actions that can be taken to improve WA’s reputation as a place to do business in the mineral and petroleum industries. (2) The working group members bring a wide range of experience and knowledge to the review, as evidenced by the following: Peter Jones, chairman, former Minister for Mines, Fuel and Energy for Western Australia; John Bowler, MLA, deputy chairman, member for Kalgoorlie; Derek Carew-Hopkins, adviser, Office of the Minister for Regional Development; Mark Gregory; a partner in Minter Ellison Lawyers; David Parker, government and public affairs manager, Apache Energy; Richard Ellis, Western Australian director of the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association; Ian Wight-Pickin, chief of staff, office of the Deputy Premier and Minister for Indigenous Affairs; Ian Fletcher, BHP Billiton’s vice-president of government affairs; Tim Shanahan, director, Energy and Minerals Initiative, University of Western Australia; Chris Clegg, principal consultant, Statewide Tenement and Advisory Services; Doug Koontz, principal environmental consultant, Aquaterra; Noel Ashcroft, chief executive of government relations and market development for the Griffin Group; and, Tony van Merwyk, partner in Freehills.
As a preamble to my answer I must say what a terrible shame it is that I have to go through this process to fix the mess that the previous government left. The greatest problem facing the mining and petroleum industry is the previous government’s inattention to detail and inability to make a decision. It put in place processes that simply did not work. The hold-up in the system is appalling, so something had to be done about it. That is why I set up this particular inquiry. (1) The terms of reference of the working group are — (1) understanding existing approvals processes—environmental, tenure, planning, native title Aboriginal heritage—necessary for mining and petroleum activity to occur in Western Australia, including — (a) time lines associated with these processes; (b) impediments, overlap and duplication by state and commonwealth agencies; (c) mechanisms for review of decisions; and (d) benchmarks against selected jurisdictions in Australia and elsewhere. (2) identifying which impediments can be addressed through changes to government policies and administrative processes, and those which will require legislative change. (3) developing a framework to ensure better coordination across agencies to achieve quicker approvals, including provisions to ensure decision making within specified time frames. (4) providing a schedule for implementation of — (a) administrative changes—these should happen quickly; (b) legislative changes which could be contained in an omnibus bill and be given priority in the parliamentary legislative program; and (c) a mechanism for ongoing review of implementation based on milestones with input from industry. (5) identifying and analysing the key issues that stakeholders have with the approvals processes, and actions that can be taken to improve WA’s reputation as a place to do business in the mineral and petroleum industries. (2) The working group members bring a wide range of experience and knowledge to the review, as evidenced by the following: Peter Jones, chairman, former Minister for Mines, Fuel and Energy for Western Australia; John Bowler, MLA, deputy chairman, member for Kalgoorlie; Derek Carew-Hopkins, adviser, Office of the Minister for Regional Development; Mark Gregory; a partner in Minter Ellison Lawyers; David Parker, government and public affairs manager, Apache Energy; Richard Ellis, Western Australian director of the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association; Ian Wight-Pickin, chief of staff, office of the Deputy Premier and Minister for Indigenous Affairs; Ian Fletcher, BHP Billiton’s vice-president of government affairs; Tim Shanahan, director, Energy and Minerals Initiative, University of Western Australia; Chris Clegg, principal consultant, Statewide Tenement and Advisory Services; Doug Koontz, principal environmental consultant, Aquaterra; Noel Ashcroft, chief executive of government relations and market development for the Griffin Group; and, Tony van Merwyk, partner in Freehills.
(1) The terms of reference of the working group are — (1) understanding existing approvals processes—environmental, tenure, planning, native title Aboriginal heritage—necessary for mining and petroleum activity to occur in Western Australia, including — (a) time lines associated with these processes; (b) impediments, overlap and duplication by state and commonwealth agencies; (c) mechanisms for review of decisions; and (d) benchmarks against selected jurisdictions in Australia and elsewhere. (2) identifying which impediments can be addressed through changes to government policies and administrative processes, and those which will require legislative change. (3) developing a framework to ensure better coordination across agencies to achieve quicker approvals, including provisions to ensure decision making within specified time frames. (4) providing a schedule for implementation of — (a) administrative changes—these should happen quickly; (b) legislative changes which could be contained in an omnibus bill and be given priority in the parliamentary legislative program; and (c) a mechanism for ongoing review of implementation based on milestones with input from industry. (5) identifying and analysing the key issues that stakeholders have with the approvals processes, and actions that can be taken to improve WA’s reputation as a place to do business in the mineral and petroleum industries. (2) The working group members bring a wide range of experience and knowledge to the review, as evidenced by the following: Peter Jones, chairman, former Minister for Mines, Fuel and Energy for Western Australia; John Bowler, MLA, deputy chairman, member for Kalgoorlie; Derek Carew-Hopkins, adviser, Office of the Minister for Regional Development; Mark Gregory; a partner in Minter Ellison Lawyers; David Parker, government and public affairs manager, Apache Energy; Richard Ellis, Western Australian director of the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association; Ian Wight-Pickin, chief of staff, office of the Deputy Premier and Minister for Indigenous Affairs; Ian Fletcher, BHP Billiton’s vice-president of government affairs; Tim Shanahan, director, Energy and Minerals Initiative, University of Western Australia; Chris Clegg, principal consultant, Statewide Tenement and Advisory Services; Doug Koontz, principal environmental consultant, Aquaterra; Noel Ashcroft, chief executive of government relations and market development for the Griffin Group; and, Tony van Merwyk, partner in Freehills.
(b) impediments, overlap and duplication by state and commonwealth agencies; (c) mechanisms for review of decisions; and (d) benchmarks against selected jurisdictions in Australia and elsewhere.
(c) mechanisms for review of decisions; and (d) benchmarks against selected jurisdictions in Australia and elsewhere.
(d) benchmarks against selected jurisdictions in Australia and elsewhere.
(3) developing a framework to ensure better coordination across agencies to achieve quicker approvals, including provisions to ensure decision making within specified time frames. (4) providing a schedule for implementation of — (a) administrative changes—these should happen quickly; (b) legislative changes which could be contained in an omnibus bill and be given priority in the parliamentary legislative program; and (c) a mechanism for ongoing review of implementation based on milestones with input from industry. (5) identifying and analysing the key issues that stakeholders have with the approvals processes, and actions that can be taken to improve WA’s reputation as a place to do business in the mineral and petroleum industries.
(4) providing a schedule for implementation of — (a) administrative changes—these should happen quickly; (b) legislative changes which could be contained in an omnibus bill and be given priority in the parliamentary legislative program; and (c) a mechanism for ongoing review of implementation based on milestones with input from industry. (5) identifying and analysing the key issues that stakeholders have with the approvals processes, and actions that can be taken to improve WA’s reputation as a place to do business in the mineral and petroleum industries.
(b) legislative changes which could be contained in an omnibus bill and be given priority in the parliamentary legislative program; and (c) a mechanism for ongoing review of implementation based on milestones with input from industry.
(c) a mechanism for ongoing review of implementation based on milestones with input from industry.
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